University of �鶹��ý faculty received top awards for their excellence in teaching and engagement and groundbreaking research.

Fifteen UH faculty members from across the state have been awarded the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching, and three received the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Research.

In addition, five UH teachers have been recognized with the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, and a �鶹��ý Community College student has won the Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Vocational Education.

“Our faculty are the heart of the University of �鶹��ý, and their excellence in teaching and research embodies the values that define our institution—including a deep commitment to serving our communities,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “These awardees represent the very best of UH: world-class scholars and educators whose work has local impact and global reach. I am proud to recognize their achievements and deeply grateful for the ways they continue to elevate our university and our state.”

Each campus selects awardees for the Board of Regent’s Medal for Excellence in Teaching and the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. For example, at UH Mānoa, the awardees are selected by prior award winners.

The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching recognizes faculty who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity, and personal values beneficial to students. The 2025 winners.

The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Research recognizes a faculty member’s scholarly contributions that expand the boundaries of knowledge and enrich the lives of all in the community, nation and the world. The 2025 winners.

The Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching recognizes dedication and demonstrated excellence as teachers of undergraduate students. It was established as a memorial to the late Frances Davis, who taught mathematics at Leeward Community College and UH Mānoa for 19 years. The 2025 winners.

The Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Vocational Education rewards outstanding achievement and significant contribution to vocational and technical education by a community college faculty member or student. The award was established by family members to honor the namesakes’ role in development of the food industry in �鶹��ý. The 2025 winner.

In addition, UH Mānoa recognized faculty, staff and students for their exceptional achievements in teaching, research, community service, advising, mentoring and more at the Mānoa Awards ceremony held April 28.

The Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award was established by Tadashi and Elizabeth Kunimoto to honor the founders of Chikara Products, Inc., specializing in �鶹��ý foods such as Aloha Tofu, Maui Natto and Chikara Konnyaku. This award is given in alternate years: on even years to a faculty member, and on odd years to a student, who makes a significant contribution to career and technical education in the .

�鶹��ý Community College student has been named the recipient of the 2025 Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award.

Krueger’s dedication to research, community service and leadership set her apart. She recently participated in the Summer 2024 BIOMADE Kalo Research Internship, where she explored the fermentation process of kalo and its implications for nutrition and food security. Her commitment to sustainability extends beyond the lab—she actively supports local food distribution efforts and conservation projects on �鶹��ý Island.

“Cathryn’s achievements exemplify the spirit of this award,” said Chancellor Susan Kazama. “She is always so positive, and it shows in her passion for sustainable agriculture, commitment to community service, and drive to make a difference through hands-on learning. She truly represents the values honored by the Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award.”

In addition to her agricultural and environmental work, Krueger has used social media to enhance outreach for the �鶹��ý CC Agriculture Program and contributed to landscaping efforts for the �鶹��ý CC Model Home Project. She also finds cultural connection through Kūkūʻena, a hula hālau that brings together UH Hilo and �鶹��ý CC students and staff.

“I’m incredibly proud of Cathryn and all that she’s accomplished,” said Assistant Professor Lew Nakamura. “She’s not only an exceptional student but also a leader who uplifts those around her. This recognition is well deserved.”

Other nominees

Three other outstanding students were nominated for this year’s award:

Sean Belisle from Honolulu Community College has shown remarkable leadership and initiative in the Computing, Security & Networking Technology program, serving as president of the HATS club, leading national cybersecurity competitions, and inspiring his peers through hands-on projects and mentorship.

Lucas Stevens of Kapiʻolani Community College is a standout New Media Arts student whose leadership, creativity and innovation—particularly in directing a practicum short film and exploring AI in game development—have made a strong impact on career and technical education at his campus.

Janie-Maria Kikila of Leeward Community College is a driven and entrepreneurial student who returned to college to pursue a Business Management degree, founding a campus marketing club and leading impactful initiatives to boost student engagement and success.

The Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award was established by Tadashi and Elizabeth Kunimoto to honor the founders of Chikara Products, Inc., specializing in �鶹��ý foods such as Aloha Tofu, Maui Natto and Chikara Konnyaku. This award is given in alternate years: on even years to a faculty member, and on odd years to a student, who makes a significant contribution to career and technical education in the .

Jenny Kelly, veterinary technology program director and assistant professor at Windward Community College, is the recipient of the 2024 Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award.

Since 2015, Kelly has led Windward CC’s high-demand career and technical education (CTE) training program for veterinary assistants and veterinary technicians. Kelly’s passion for veterinary medicine translates into classroom instruction focused on realistic clinical procedures rather than a traditional scientific lab. She uses multiple forms of feedback from her students to evaluate and adjust her instruction. Kelly also works with local vendors to create professional development opportunities for students and faculty.

She monitors the veterinary industry and workforce trends in �鶹��ý to continually adapt and improve the program to meet industry needs and prepare skilled graduates to fill employment vacancies. In 2018, Kelly expanded the program to serve students statewide with neighbor island cohorts. She launched the online hybrid program during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The number of courses offered and student semester hours have increased by 36% and 20%, respectively, and the number of distance education classes has increased eightfold. As a result, the number of program majors grew 29% between 2017 and 2022, and program completion has remained strong. In 2023, there were 60 graduates.

Kelly works collaboratively with faculty to improve the curriculum and quality of graduates. She encourages students to conduct research in veterinary technology by embedding internship opportunities in animal science courses. She has developed industry partnerships with more than 30 veterinary clinics, animal rescues and shelters, exotic (birds, lab animals and marine life) and large animal settings, including farms and ranches.

Since joining Windward CC, she has been awarded 16 grants totaling $1,188,818. In 2024, the Good Jobs �鶹��ý grant supported students in their final program year, including tuition and fees, books, certification fee and license as well as travel expenses for 10 neighbor island hybrid students to attend in-person labs.

Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg said, “Dr. Jenny Kelly is innovative, caring and hardworking. Through her visionary leadership, Windward CC’s vet tech program has grown to serve our entire pae ʻāina (archipelago), supporting students to achieve excellence on national exams and in their communities.”

Kelly has contributed significantly to CTE as a veterinarian, educator and program director. Her caring nature was evident when she arranged a one-on-one animal experience for a Make-A-Wish recipient. Throughout the years, Kelly has proved to be a tremendous asset to UH and the state as she has elevated the quality of veterinary care in �鶹��ý.

The Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award was established by Tadashi and Elizabeth Kunimoto to honor the founders of Chikara Products, Inc., specializing in �鶹��ý foods such as Aloha Tofu, Maui Natto and Chikara Konnyaku. This award is given in alternate years: on even years to a faculty member, and on odd years to a student, who makes a significant contribution to career and technical education in the .

Dayton Uchiyama, a student majoring in at Honolulu Community College, is the recipient of the 2023 Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award.

While excelling in academics, Uchiyama’s leadership has instilled pride and purpose into all activities for student leaders and their crews. Before training activities, he leads physical fitness, and following skills training directs after-action reviews to improve individual and group performances. Uchiyama conducts business meetings between classes to organize projects and fundraising for a course certification ceremony and an open house/family day event to comply with fire and life safety education for community service skills training.

Through Uchiyama’s guidance and care, students have improved their skills to pass and qualify for various fire agencies’ physical ability tests leading to employment. He has conducted firefighter muster research, a community event, used to recruit, fundraise and promote fire and life safety. He has coordinated participation and involvement of several fire departments to enhance skills training for students and the community.

Uchiyama exemplifies a caring and proactive leader who has enabled his peers to experience innovative learning as well as excel in their educational journey.

Chancellor Karen Lee said, “Honolulu Community College is so proud to have Dayton be the recipient of this year’s award. He is a true servant-leader, who leads by example in a program that demands integrity and teamwork, and he is deserving of this honor. We look forward to hearing about his accomplishments as a firefighter one day!&rdquo

The Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award was established by Tadashi and Elizabeth Kunimoto to honor the founders of Chikara Products, Inc., specializing in �鶹��ý foods such as Aloha Tofu, Maui Natto and Chikara Konnyaku. This award is given in alternate years: on even years to a faculty member, and on odd years to a student, who makes a significant contribution to career and technical education in the .

Brian Yamamoto

Brian Yamamoto, faculty in the at , is the recipient of the 2022 Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award.

Yamamoto, a Natural Science faculty for 40 years, developed and taught the first horticulture and agriculture courses at Kauaʻi CC. While teaching courses, Yamamoto manages projects such as ʻUlutopia, Hi!ag and �鶹��ý Ag One that bring funds and recognition to the college. More importantly, these projects provide opportunities for students and community members to learn about culturally appropriate agriculture in a practical and engaging way.

His ability to collaborate with other organizations has fostered long-lasting partnerships that have benefited all who have engaged with Kauaʻi CC.

Yamamoto’s dedication embodies teaching, overseeing labs, mentoring students, collecting data, hosting international students and caring for indigenous plants on campus. His unwavering commitment to students, Kauaʻi CC and community has provided positive outcomes that will serve future generations to come.

The Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award was established by Tadashi and Elizabeth Kunimoto to honor the founders of Chikara Products, Inc., specializing in �鶹��ý foods such as Aloha Tofu, Maui Natto and Chikara Konnyaku. This award is given in alternate years: on even years to a faculty member, and on odd years to a student, who makes a significant contribution to career and technical education in the .

Sierra-Lynn Harada-Stone

Sierra-Lynn Harada-Stone, a business student at , is the recipient of the 2021 Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award.

On top of excelling in academics, Harada-Stone’s exemplary teamwork and leadership skills engaged her peers in group projects. In fall 2019, her class operated a pop-up coffee shop named HI Joe! Harada-Stone led her operations team in class, worked her shift, promoted HI Joe!, and sold its apparel while working as Hanalei Farmers Market’s manager. In spring 2021, she became the Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge director, as Kauaʻi CC students partnered with Kurdistan, Iraq students, to develop a business concept addressing a United Nations Sustainability Goal. Harada-Stone has been an active member of the Business and Young Entrepreneurs Club that performs campus and community projects.

Last year, Harada-Stone assumed the role and responsibilities as owner of SBH Taro Farms, a third-generation business, after her grandfather died. She has enabled students enrolled in her class to use her business to develop a marketing campaign project.

Harada-Stone overcame challenges and excels in her endeavors while balancing academic, work and personal life. She is on track to earn her associate’s degree in science and achieve her goals. Harada-Stone’s positive attitude, strong work ethic, perseverance and volunteerism ensure an optimistic future for her and the community she serves.

The Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award was established by Tadashi and Elizabeth Kunimoto to honor the founders of Chikara Products, Inc., specializing in �鶹��ý foods such as Aloha Tofu, Maui Natto and Chikara Konnyaku. This award is given in alternate years: on even years to a faculty member, and on odd years to a student, who makes a significant contribution to career and technical education in the University of �鶹��ý Community Colleges.

Kawehi Sellers

Kawehi Sellers is an assistant professor in the who has been with for almost 10 years. Prior to coming to Kapiʻolani CC, Sellers was the director of student services at UH ����ԴDz�’s .

Sellers continually looks for ways to engage her students using creative approaches in teaching. She has done this through “gamification,” where she has “gamified” HOST 101, Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism. She is well-versed in the use of technology platforms, and willingly shares these strategies with other career and technical education programs. Sellers fosters a classroom environment that encourages students to think innovatively and apply learned concepts toward real-world solutions.

One student said: “Professor Sellers has a marked selflessness toward students and makes herself available to help outside of class. She knows each student by name and does not hesitate to show support and consideration for each student. Her concern for each student was evident from day one, and her leadership inspires rather than intimidates.”

Sellers’ greatest joy comes from being a mom to two sons and two Labrador dogs.

The Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award was established by Tadashi and Elizabeth Kunimoto to honor the founders of Chikara Products, Inc., specializing in �鶹��ý foods such as Aloha Tofu, Maui Natto and Chikara Konnyaku. This award is given on alternate years: on even years to a faculty member, and on odd years to a student, who makes a significant contribution to career and technical education in the University of �鶹��ý Community Colleges.

Antje Martin is a 2019 graduate of the veterinary technology program at Windward Community College. She understands the rigor and challenges of the veterinary field and how rewarding it is to help animals in need.

Initially, Martin did not make it into the second year of the program, which motivated her to work harder and come back stronger, demonstrating perseverance and determination to be the best student she can be. She asked pertinent questions, provided helpful information to her classmates, engaged in her studies and got along with everyone.

Martin’s professors believe she has a bright future in the veterinary field. They say she is “reliable and dependable, and possesses excellent client communication skills, calming anxious pet owners in the lab, and consistently volunteers at community events to educate and assist the public with their pets and pet care.” Martin is proof the path to completion does not have to be perfect, and is a wonderful example of how hard work and resolve can get you where you need to be, even if it is the second time around.

, a professor of art and coordinator of the at , was awarded the 2018 Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions in Vocational Education.

Sussman began her career in California first as a painter, then as a teacher, then jumped into the world of computers when she started her graduate studies in computers in art, design, research and education. This led her to a job at DreamWorks Feature Animation. She then brought her skills in traditional art and digital art, and her passion for teaching to Kapiʻolani CC to design the NMA animation program.

Sussman conceived and developed the prestigious New Arts Lecture Series, bringing top-notch, prominent artists and animators to the college to lecture and teach workshops. The impact of this lecture series cannot be overstated as it has exposed students and the general community to experts and the artistic aspect of the entertainment industry.

, Sussman’s department chair said, “Ms. Sussman has provided steady leadership from the start. She is the voice of reason in times of chaos and is a role model for her students. She is constantly pursuing new opportunities for her students and encourages them to think beyond the box. For example, the New Media Arts program continues to explore the possibility of a new AA degree in NMA and in inter-disciplinary certificate for various initiatives that blend art and technology such as STEM and creativity academies. Ms. Sussman is accessible, motivated, hardworking, dedicated and empathic. She is passionate in all that she does and I cannot think of anyone more worthy of this award.”

Nathaniel Weeks, a student in the associate in science degree program at , was awarded the 2017 Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions in Vocational Education.

Weeks’ dedication towards becoming an active member of the college and community is best illustrated through his role as co-founder and vice president of the Information and Communications Technology Club. In addition, he leads a website group that does penetration testing as a community service for local companies.

To be in tune with industry, Weeks has done informal research in collaboration with his professor on various IT industry (CompTIA) trade certifications and has earned certifications in A+, Network+ and Security+ with plans to pursue further industry recognized certifications. He has also attended numerous information technology events including the �鶹��ý Information Communication and Technology student mixer and EnergySec Infrastructure Security workshops, among others.

Weeks serves as a mentor to fellow students, spending much time in the computer lab studying or collaborating with them. He works conscientiously to be an advocate for students and communicates with professors to provide feedback. He currently maintains a 3.8 GPA and plans to transfer to UH West Oʻahu for a bachelor’s of applied science degree with a concentration in information security and assurance.

Please contact your campus chancellor’s office for more information about the application process.